USPAP Principles We Embrace

At Cardwell Claim Authority, we believe credible vehicle valuations are built on professionalism, ethics, and objective analysis.

While our assignments are not represented as USPAP appraisal assignments unless specifically stated, we intentionally embrace many of the same professional principles reflected in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) because they promote credible, transparent, and ethical appraisal practices.

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These principles include:

 

Independence

Professional valuation begins with independence.

An appraiser should remain free from bias, undue influence, or predetermined outcomes.

Every valuation should be developed based on the available evidence—not on the interests of any party involved.

 

Objectivity

Professional appraisers strive to remain objective throughout the valuation process.

Conclusions should be based upon market evidence, documented facts, and sound professional judgment rather than advocacy or speculation.

 

Ethical Conduct

Ethics form the foundation of credible appraisal practice.

Professional appraisers should conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, impartiality, and fairness throughout every assignment.

 

Competency

Professional appraisers should possess, or obtain through appropriate research, the knowledge necessary to competently complete each assignment.

No appraiser can know every vehicle or every market. Professional competency includes recognizing when additional research or specialized knowledge is required.

 

Credible Analysis

Professional conclusions should be supported by sufficient research, relevant market data, and appropriate analysis.

A valuation should be capable of being explained and supported if questioned.

 

Transparency

Professional appraisal reports should clearly explain how conclusions were reached.

Transparency allows clients, insurers, attorneys, and other interested parties to understand the reasoning behind an opinion of value.

 

Proper Documentation

Professional valuation relies upon maintaining appropriate documentation supporting the assignment.

Documentation helps demonstrate the basis for conclusions and provides support for the valuation process.

 

Confidentiality

Information obtained during an assignment should be treated professionally and handled with appropriate confidentiality, consistent with applicable laws, contractual obligations, and ethical responsibilities.

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Impartiality

Professional appraisers should not advocate for predetermined outcomes.

Their responsibility is to develop a credible opinion supported by the available evidence.

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Due Diligence

Every valuation deserves sufficient investigation appropriate for the complexity of the assignment.

Professional judgment requires careful consideration of the facts before reaching a conclusion.

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Why These Principles Matter

Regardless of the type of vehicle or assignment, professional valuation depends upon consistency, transparency, and objective analysis.

These principles help promote confidence that an opinion of value has been developed through a disciplined, evidence-based process.